Sophisticated Passive H-House Keeps its Cool in Salt Lake City

The <a href="http://www.axisarchitects.com/#!__residential/vstc8=page-3/albumphotos22=7" target="_blank">H-House</a> is situated on the East Bench above Salt Lake City, UT and it enjoys views out over the city and the mountains in the west. Salt Lake City-based <a href="http://www.axisarchitects.com/" target="_blank">Axis Architects</a> designed the home to be a sophisticated and elegant space that works in harmony with the surrounding environment. Built slightly into the hillside and in-line with the topography, the three-story home takes advantage of orientation and passive solar design for cooling.

H-House is a three bedroom, three-story home in Salt Lake City, UT designed by <a href="http://www.axisarchitects.com/" target="_blank">Axis Architects</a>.

The modern home is cut into the hillside and sits high above the city with sweeping views of the valley and mountains beyond.

The ground floor holds the garage, storage and the entry, which leads up to the main floor that contains all the public spaces - including an office, a master suite and a cantilevered music room.

The top floor features a study and two bedrooms. Circulation throughout the levels is provided by a central staircase lit with skylights from above.

The home takes advantage of outdoor spaces and the view with recreational space behind the home and a large deck that faces west.

Orientation and passive solar design were also carefully considered to moderate temperatures indoors. Glazing and shade devices were carefully placed to maximize daylighting and minimize solar heat gain, especially in the summer.

The home is built with concrete and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/corten-steel/">corten steel</a>, neither of which require any maintenance. Inside, the modern aesthetic continues with clean lines and the use of renewable materials like bamboo.

Lower level floorplan.

Main level floor plan.

Upper level floor plan.

Cross section.

Site plan.